Mole Removal

A mole also known as nevus is a growth arising in the skin. Moles can be colored or colorless. Colors can range from light brown, blue and black. Moles are not to be confused with sun related lesions such as freckles, sun spots or age spots. Moles can be flat, superficial, raised, bumpy, and deep. The distinction between a mole, age or sun spot should be made by a physician.

Moles can be removed for two reasons; cosmetic and when a malignancy is suspected. A suspicious sign of malignancy is change of color such as when a light colored mole becomes dark or vice versa. Other signs of malignancy are when the size increases and the shape becomes irregular. These changes should be observed diagnosed and treated by a physician.

Dr. Thomas prefers to remove moles surgically so that they can be examined by a pathologist. When moles are treated by burning or freezing, the specimen can no longer be examined and therefore a diagnosis of benign vs. malignant can not be made. Shaving of moles should be reserved for very superficial types otherwise recurrence is highly likely.

Mole removal is done under local anesthesia and the wounds are closed in layers. Sutures are removed in 5-6 days. There is no down time and after care is to avoid the sun while the scar is healing.